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Rays DFA first base fill-in, add two lefties to 40-man roster

ByMason Stacy|
Mar 11, 2023; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Austin Shenton (93) hits a double against the Miami Marlins in the third inning at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Mar 11, 2023; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Austin Shenton (93) hits a double against the Miami Marlins in the third inning at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

On Monday, the Rays made a few roster moves ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. The Rule 5 Draft gives clubs the chance to sign players that have been left off of another team's 40-man roster. Tampa Bay decided to designate 26-year old first baseman, Austin Shenton for assignment. Therefore, they must either release him, trade him, or place him on waivers within the next week.

Shenton appeared in 19 MLB games last season after the Rays called him up in late July. The FIU product never got comfortable in the big leagues as he was only able to collect nine hits in 50 at-bats. It was also difficult for the former 34th round pick to step into a role that was primarily filled by 2023 Silver Slugger winner, Yandy Diaz.

Sep 5, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz
Sep 5, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) waits in the on deck circle against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

With Diaz's future in Tampa hanging in the balance, the Rays have shown that they will either be keeping the Cuban contact hitter or searching for a replacement elsewhere. Nevertheless, hopefully Shenton will be able to be acquired through a trade and continue to find ways to play in the majors.

With extra space now on the roster, the Rays have added two left-handed pitchers to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. Former 2nd round picks, Ian Seymour and Joe Rock joined the roster yesterday and will most likely get an opportunity to prove themselves this Spring Training.

The Rays 40-man roster now contains 10 left-handed pitchers, as the front office continuously values the presence of southpaws in their clubhouse. This will allow the Rays to give opposing hitters different angles and views, ultimately keeping them off balance. This is particularly helpful against left-handed batters, as we will probably be forced to face the likes of Juan Soto, Gunnar Henderson, and Rafael Devers often in 2025.

Colin Poche
Colin Poche (38) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

To take a glance at these minor league hurlers, Seymour and Rock spent the conclusion of 2024 with Triple-A Durham. The 25-year old Seymour only tossed 54 frames for the Bulls, recording a 2.33 ERA.

Pennsylvania native, Joe Rock saw contrasting results with the Durham club. He threw more than double the innings and finished with a 4.58 ERA. While his numbers weren't as adequate, the Rays clearly saw something in his game that is worth hanging on to.

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